It seemed to come on suddenly: horrible body aches, extreme fatigue, weakness, fever, stuffy nose, congestion, and a nagging cough. Despite your best preventive efforts, you’ve been hit with seasonal flu, a respiratory illness that can lay you flat for several days. Although there is really nothing that cures seasonal flu, there are ways to feel better — fast.
1. Sleep
You’ve probably heard it every time you have become ill, especially as a child, but mom was right: Get plenty of sleep to get better. Resting and sleeping strengthens immune function, helping the body to heal and recharge. And during sleep's deeper phases, cellular rejuvenation occurs. So stay in bed and catch up on zzzzs to help regain strength and get well.
2. Fluids
With respiratory infection comes mucus, which can quickly build up. Help thin it by drinking lots of fluids including water, decaffeinated tea, juice, sports drinks, broth, and warm soups. Drink enough so that your urine is pale yellow or clear, advises MayoClinic.com. Taking in lots of fluids also will help you stave off dehydration, which can occur when you have a fever or are vomiting. Steer clear of caffeinated drinks that can worsen dehydration such as coffee, tea, and cola, as well as alcohol.
3. Chicken soup
It turns out that there is something to this old-time remedy. Scientists have found that it actually acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of immune system cells involved in the body’s inflammatory response, says MayoClinic.com. Also, it may relieve congestion by working to quickly move mucus and limit how long the lining of the nose has contact with viruses.
4. Steam
A steamy bathroom can do wonders for your sinuses. Take a warm shower to help open your airways and thin the mucus in them, suggests, WebMD.com. Or fill the sink with hot, steamy water mixed with two teaspoons of fresh ginger or a few drops of eucalyptus oil, the website advises. Lean over the sink with your head draped in a towel. A teaspoon of Vicks VapoRub ointment in the water also will bring relief.
5. Saline
Irrigate your nose with a saline nasal rinse to moisten mucous membranes and reduce postnasal drip. Make the rinse by combining ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon baking soda into 8 ounces of warm water, WebMD.com explains. Squirt the water into one nostril with a bulb syringe, holding the other nostril closed with your finger. Blow your nose after letting it drain. Do this two to three times; repeat with the other nostril.
6. Over-the-counter help
Get relief for aching muscles with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin (adults only). These also will reduce your fever. Products such as Mucinex and Robitussin will help calm your cold and thin mucus. Be sure to follow dosing instructions on packaging or call your doctor.
7. Antivirals
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says most healthy people with the flu don’t need antivirals, medications available with a doctor’s prescription that help shorten the duration of the illness and prevent serious complications. Those medicines — Tamiflu and Relenza — are primarily recommended for people who are very sick with the flu and likely hospitalized, and for those who are more susceptible to getting complications, such as children younger than 2, adults 65 and older, and people with some chronic health conditions like heart failure.
No comments:
Post a Comment